The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Hunting Gear in Canada

The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Hunting Gear in Canada. The hunting scene in Canada has changed a lot. You can’t rely on your usual hunting spots for guaranteed success anymore. More people are getting into hunting, which has put extra pressure on traditional areas, pushing serious hunters to venture further into the wild or the back country hunting.

Now, your success depends on going off the beaten path and into remote areas where big game animals still roam. This shift brings new challenges and requires special gear to handle the tough Canadian wilderness.

Key Changes in Modern Hunting:

• Better access to hunting areas means more competition
• Traditional spots have fewer animals
• Remote locations provide better chances for successful hunts
• Specialized gear is crucial for distant trips

Hunting equipment has also evolved to match these changes. Today’s market offers advanced gear made for backcountry adventures, from lightweight shelters to high-quality clothing and modern navigation tools.

Whether you’re hunting mountain goats in the Rockies, tracking caribou across the tundra, or looking for mule deer in high-altitude areas, having the right equipment can make all the difference. This guide will help you choose essential gear to ensure your backcountry hunting experience is safe, comfortable, and successful.

Understanding Backcountry Hunting

Backcountry hunting takes you deep into wild areas that are far from roads and marked trails. This challenging activity requires you to explore untouched land where animals live freely, providing a real hunting experience that tests your physical and mental strength.

What makes backcountry hunting appealing is its strong connection to nature. You’ll be fully engaged in the wilderness, looking for animal signs, tracking game, and making smart choices based on the landscape and weather. This close experience with nature offers hunting chances that aren’t available in more easily accessible places.

As more hunters crowd around roads and trails, many are turning to backcountry adventures. Popular hunting spots now face:

• More vehicle traffic
• Increased competition for good locations
• Changes in wildlife behavior
• Lower success rates

Hunting in remote areas requires special preparation and gear. You’ll need:

• Lightweight, sturdy equipment for longer trips
• Navigation tools to travel safely in the wilderness
• Physical fitness to tackle tough terrain
• Careful planning for food, shelter, and emergencies

The challenges of backcountry hunting naturally attract serious hunters who are ready to put in the time, effort, and resources needed. This dedication often leads to more fulfilling experiences and better chances of success where animals behave naturally.

Must-Have Gear for Backcountry Hunting – BackCountry Hunting Gear List

To succeed in backcountry hunting, it’s crucial to have good quality gear. The right equipment helps you stay comfortable, safe, and prepared for any challenges you may face.

Main Equipment Categories

1. Load-Bearing Gear

• Good quality backpack (65-80L size)
• Frame for carrying meat
• Compression straps and load lifters

2. Protective Gear

• Waterproof rain gear
• Insulation layers
• Safety glasses
• Strong gloves

3. Important Tools

• Multi-tool or knife
• Kit for processing game
• Rope and paracord
• Headlamp with spare batteries

Backcountry hunting needs gear that works well in tough conditions. Your equipment should be:

• Lightweight – Every ounce matters when you’re far from help
• Durable – Gear breaking down isn’t an option in remote areas
• Multi-functional – Space is limited; items should have multiple uses
• Weather-resistant – Protection against sudden weather changes

Pack Weight Distribution

• Base weight: 20-30 pounds
• Food and water: 10-15 pounds
• Hunting gear: 8-12 pounds
• Emergency supplies: 5-7 pounds

Choosing the right gear affects your hunting experience. Heavy or poor-quality equipment can drain your energy and limit your movement. The right gear helps you to:

1. Stay out longer
2. Move quietly through the area
3. Adjust to changing conditions
4. Process and carry out game easily

Being systematic about your gear choices can help avoid common mistakes like overpacking or bringing the wrong items. Start with the essentials and build your kit based on:

1. Length of the hunt
2. Type of terrain
3. Expected weather
4. Game species
5. Your physical condition

Shelter and Sleeping Gear – BackCountry Hunting Gear List

Your shelter is essential in the unpredictable Canadian backcountry. A lightweight, all-season tent gives you solid protection from tough weather. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and MSR Access 2 are great options that resist bad weather without being too heavy.

If you’re a minimalist hunter, a well-made tarp shelter can help lighten your pack. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp, when set up correctly, provides enough protection in good weather. If you’re thinking about fastpacking, a tarp can be a smart choice.

You also need to think carefully about your sleeping gear:

• Sleeping Bag: Choose a bag rated for -7°C to -12°C for fall hunting. Make sure you know what temperature is too cold for your camping gear.
• Sleeping Pad: Use both a closed-cell foam pad and an inflatable pad.
• Aim for an R-value of 4+ for ground insulation.
• Have a backup plan for punctures.

Pro Tip: Before your hunt, test your entire shelter setup. Practice putting it up in tough conditions to make sure everything works well together.

A good groundsheet adds little weight while protecting your shelter investment. The Tyvek Groundsheet is durable and helps keep moisture from coming through the tent floor.

When it comes to winter camping, it’s crucial to understand how tent design materials influence cold weather camping comfort.

Cooking Gear and Food Supplies

To succeed in backcountry hunting, you need good nutrition and lightweight cooking tools. A titanium pot set combined with a small camping stove makes for an effective cooking system that won’t add too much weight to your pack. Choose multi-fuel stoves for dependable performance in different weather.

Important Cooking Items:

• Titanium pot set (1L and 750ml)
• Multi-fuel stove with fuel
• Collapsible water container
• Lightweight utensils
• Fire-starting supplies

Meal Planning Tips:

• Prepare meals in daily portions
• Vacuum-seal perishable items to keep them fresh
• Include high-calorie, nutrient-rich foods:
• Dehydrated meals
• Trail mix
• Energy bars
• Jerky
• Instant coffee/tea

When planning your meals, aim for 3,000-4,000 calories per day. Dehydrated meals help cut down on weight while still providing the energy you need. Add quick-energy snacks like nuts and dried fruits for lasting energy during long hikes. Keep food in odor-proof bags to avoid attracting animals to your camp.

Think about bringing electrolyte packets to stay hydrated during tough physical activities. A small spice kit can add flavor to your meals without adding much weight.

For food choices, it’s best to pick budget-friendly options that are easy to carry and won’t spoil quickly. Look for high-calorie snacks that don’t need cooking or prep, making them great for long hikes or camping trips. You can also explore some good food options that fit this criteria.

Special Gear for Big Game Hunting in Canada

Hunting big animals like mountain goats, sheep, and caribou in Canada’s rough wilderness needs special gear made for harsh terrains and long journeys. The equipment you pick can make the difference between a successful hunt and a disappointing one.

Optics and Navigation Tools – BackCountry Hunting Gear List

Essential Optics:

• Good binoculars (10×42 or 10×50)
• Spotting scope with 20-60x zoom
• Rifle scope with the right magnification
• Lens cleaning kit and protective cases

Your optics are key for spotting and evaluating game animals from a distance. When hunting in the mountains, you’ll spend a lot of time looking at faraway slopes and ridges. It’s worth investing in quality optics that provide good light transmission and clarity, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active.

Navigation Equipment:

• GPS device with topographic maps
• Backup battery pack
• Physical topographic maps
• Reliable compass
• Satellite communication device

The vast Canadian wilderness needs multiple navigation tools. Your GPS helps you find your location and mark important spots like where you see game, camps, and access points. Having physical maps and a compass is essential as they don’t run out of battery.

Range Finding Tools:

• Good laser rangefinder
• Ballistic calculator
• Kestrel weather meter
• Wind indicator

Long-range shooting is common when hunting in remote areas. Accurate distance measurements and environmental data help you take responsible shots. A rangefinder combined with a ballistic calculator considers elevation changes and weather conditions.

Field Care Equipment:

• Game bags
• Portable meat rack
• Paracord
• Sharp knives
• Bone saw

After a successful hunt, taking care of the fieldwork is very important. Your gear should help you process and preserve meat in the backcountry. Lightweight, easy-to-pack tools allow you to handle game efficiently while keeping the meat in good condition.

Must-Have Emergency Gear for Every Hunter

When you go hunting in remote areas for goats, sheep, caribou, or mule deer, it’s important to be ready for surprises. Having a well-planned emergency kit can turn a small problem into a serious situation.

Key Emergency Items:

• A complete first aid kit with trauma supplies
• An emergency shelter (like a space blanket or bivvy sack)
• Fire-starting tools (waterproof matches, lighter, fire starter)
• A multi-tool or knife
• A satellite communication device
• Emergency signaling tools (whistle, mirror)
• Water purification tablets
• High-energy emergency food

Best Tips for Emergency Situations:

• If you get lost, stay where you are and make yourself visible
• Build a shelter before it gets dark
• Signal for help using three of anything (whistles, fires, flashes)
• Save your phone/GPS battery by keeping devices warm
• Leave a detailed trip plan with someone you trust
• Mark your path as you go with bright markers or tape

Keep your emergency gear easy to reach, not buried at the bottom of your pack. Store these items in waterproof containers and check them before each hunting trip. Regularly practicing with your emergency gear will help you feel more confident when you need it the most.

Tips for a Successful Backcountry Hunt in Canada

To succeed in Canada’s tough backcountry, you need to plan and prepare well. Following these tried-and-true strategies will boost your chances of success:

Pre-Hunt Preparation – BackCountry Hunting Gear List

• Look at maps to find natural paths and trails where animals move
• Learn about the seasonal movements of the animals you want to hunt
• Keep an eye on the weather in your hunting area
• Practice shooting from different angles to get used to hilly terrain

Scouting Techniques – BackCountry Hunting Gear List

• Use online tools like Google Earth to find good viewing spots
• Look for places with fresh water and plenty of food
• Find areas where animals rest and paths they take
• Keep track of animal signs and their movement patterns

Hunt Smart, Not Hard – BackCountry Hunting Gear List

• Glass frequently during the best times (early morning and late evening)
• Camp close to known game areas but away from their paths
• Use the wind direction to help plan your stalking routes
• Keep moving and change your strategy based on how the animals behave

Getting Physically Ready – BackCountry Hunting Gear List

• Train with a heavy backpack for several months before your hunt
• Practice hiking on different types of terrain while wearing your hunting boots
• Improve your stamina with regular cardio workouts
• Try out your gear on overnight trips before the hunt

Always respect the land and follow local hunting rules. How well you prepare will affect your hunting success in Canada’s wild areas.

Conclusion

To succeed in backcountry hunting, you need the right gear. Canadian outdoor companies know our unique landscapes and weather, making them a great choice for reliable equipment. For example, The Canadian Outdoor Equipment Company provides specialized gear tested in our tough wilderness.

Don’t settle for less – choose strong, lightweight gear that can handle the challenges of remote hunting. A good gear setup from trusted Canadian brands keeps you safe, comfortable, and focused on your hunt.

Ready to get your gear? Visit your local Canadian outdoor store or reach out to experienced backcountry hunting outfitters. They can help you find the equipment that fits your next wilderness adventure.